LAKELAND, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott has appointed three new members to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees. Phillip Dur, Henry McCance and Cliff Otto were all appointed to vacant seats for terms beginning March 24, 2016, and ending June 30, 2021.
“Florida Poly is pleased to welcome these esteemed individuals to our Board of Trustees,” said University President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Their global expertise in STEM innovation and management will strengthen Florida Poly’s ability to further its mission of helping students become problem-solvers and high-tech professionals. I look forward to working with each of them to grow the University’s impact in Florida and beyond.”
Rear Admiral Philip A. Dur, USN, 71, of Destin, retired in 2005 as the vice president of the Northrup Grumman Corporation and President of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. He previously served as Vice President of Worldwide Business Development and Strategy at Tenneco, Inc. Prior to joining the private sector, Dur had a distinguished 30-year career as a Naval Officer. His tenure comprised multiple commands at sea and senior strategic planning positions ashore, including assignments in the departments of the Navy and Defense, as well as the National Security Council in the first Reagan administration. He received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Dur earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, as well as a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Henry McCance, 73, of Lake Wales, is the former chief executive officer of Greylock Partners, a venture capital firm in Waltham, Mass. During his 40-year career at the firm, he and his partners helped build approximately 300 developing software companies. McCance was voted one of the country’s 10 best venture capitalists by Forbes in 2000 and received the National Venture Capital’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. In 2005, McCance co-founded the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CAF), an entrepreneurial non-profit. In 2008 CAF’s core research project was named a Top 10 Medical Breakthrough by Time Magazine and CNN. McCance received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and master’s degree from Harvard University.
Clifford “Cliff” Otto, 66, of Lakeland, is the chief executive officer of Saddle Creek Logistics Services. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors and as treasurer of the International Warehouse and Logistics Association. Otto received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and master’s degree from the University of Maryland.
Governor Scott also reappointed current Board of Trustees Chair Mark Bostick to serve a second four-year term.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Chair Bostick and I’m delighted the University will reap the benefits of his leadership for several more years,” said Dr. Avent. “The insights and support we receive from our Board have been instrumental in helping us reach all of our milestones.”
Mark Bostick, 61, of Lake Wales, is the president of Comcar Industries. He is currently a member of the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center Advisory Board, the Tulane University Business School Council, Winter Haven Hospital Board, and founding chairman of the Board of Trustees for All Saints’ Academy. Previously, he was appointed by Governor Bob Martinez to the Governor’s Commission on Reform and Education and served on the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. Bostick received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tulane University. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 24, 2016, and ending June 30, 2020.
The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees was established in 2012 to govern and set policy for the University. Six members are appointed by the Florida Governor, and five members are appointed by the State University System of Florida Board of Governors – all of whom must be confirmed by the Florida Senate. Two members serve by virtue of their offices: the chair of the faculty senate, or equivalent, and the president of the Florida Polytechnic University Student Government Association.